The next morning, as Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue were practicing their martial arts in the small courtyard, Dugu Heng burst in, his green robes fluttering as he strode purposefully to the center of the yard. “Brother Li, my aunt has agreed!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Oh? That’s excellent news!”
Dugu Heng chuckled. “You don’t know, my aunt never agrees to see anyone for treatment anymore. She’s grown weary of it, and dreads disappointment. This is a sign of her confidence in you, Brother Li!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Then I am deeply honored!”
Dugu Heng waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, alright, I won’t tease you. Finish your practice, let’s eat, and then we must start right away!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “Very well, let’s eat!”
Feng Mingxue asked, “Junior Brother, are you truly going to treat Miss Dugu’s injuries?”
Li Muzhan sighed in resignation. “Since Brother Dugu pleaded so earnestly, how could I refuse? Forget it, I will do my very best. If I cannot cure her, it won’t be my fault!”
“...Do you need my assistance?” Feng Mingxue hesitated for a moment.
She was aware of the troublesome nature of healing—if successful, one earned gratitude, but failure brought resentment instead of merit.
However, since Li Muzhan had already agreed, she could not object; she could only offer maximum help to prevent any mishaps, especially considering they were in the Dugu Estate.
Li Muzhan nodded. “Yes, Senior Sister, please help me.”
Dugu Heng clapped his hands, and immediately a line of servants entered. Each carried a platter, which they brought to the small pavilion in the center and set upon the table, one dish per person.
An appetizing aroma wafted over. Li Muzhan stepped closer, eyed the spread, and laughed. “Brother Dugu, last night’s welcome banquet wasn't this lavish!”
“Brother Li, we’re not outsiders, why the extravagance!” Dugu Heng waved his hand, grinning. “Today is different; this concerns Ninth Aunt’s life. Naturally, we must try to curry favor with you!”
Li Muzhan teased, “You’re quite opportunistic!”
Dugu Heng laughed heartily, waving the servants away. He then produced a jar of wine. “This is my ten-year-old Heart Ape Wine. Come, let’s drink!”
He broke the seal and poured a cup for all three. A faint, delicate fragrance curled out, piercing through the scent of more than a dozen dishes, clearly discernible.
The three shared the first cup. Li Muzhan praised, “A potent wine, very good!”
After one sip, Feng Mingxue’s delicate face flushed crimson, her cheeks glowing, enchantingly beautiful.
Li Muzhan and Dugu Heng favored quick drinking, and by the time Feng Mingxue finished her first cup, the entire jar was gone. Li Muzhan felt unsatisfied, but there was nothing left.
Dugu Heng chuckled. “I originally stored ten jars. This wine is very strong. Drink this one first; once my aunt is healed, the remaining nine jars are all yours, Brother Li!”
Li Muzhan grinned. “For the sake of those nine jars, I’ll give it my all!”
“Haha, I wish Brother Li success in this endeavor!” Dugu Heng raised his silver cup and laughed loudly.
Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue followed Dugu Heng to Dugu Jinghua’s small courtyard. The courtyard was tranquil and elegantly refined, and the resonant sound of a qin drifted from the house.
Li Muzhan suddenly paused, and the other two stopped with him, turning to look at him.
A feeling, both strange and familiar, welled up from the depths of his heart. Li Muzhan vividly pictured Mei Ruolan playing the qin beneath the plum blossoms in the Mei Residence of his original world.
The qin music was sharp and clear, vast and distant, the artistic conception extraordinary. Li Muzhan paused for a moment, then stepped forward again. As he reached the steps of the courtyard, Dugu Heng called out loudly, “Aunt, I’m here!”
Xiao Xi lifted the curtain and emerged, clad in an emerald green silk robe. She raised her slender fingers to her lips, signaling silence, then floated gracefully forward.
“Miss is playing the qin; she must not be disturbed!” Xiao Xi said with a delicate pout.
Dugu Heng asked, “What’s wrong with Aunt?”
She rarely played the qin unless she was troubled or her mind was unsettled, using music to soothe her spirit.
Xiao Xi glanced at Li Muzhan. “It’s about the healing, of course! ...Miss is a little worried.”
“Don’t worry, with Brother Li taking action, she’ll definitely be cured!” Dugu Heng quickly asserted.
Xiao Xi shot him a sidelong glance, then turned to Li Muzhan, suddenly breaking into a sweet, charming smile. “Mr. Li, thank you for your trouble!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “I will do my utmost.”
He secretly found the young girl’s shrewdness amusing, realizing her bond with Dugu Jinghua must be exceptionally strong.
“Xiao Xi, please invite the guests in!” The qin music stopped abruptly, replaced by Dugu Jinghua’s clear yet raspy voice.
Xiao Xi quickly replied, “Yes, Miss!”
She reached out to usher them inside. Dugu Jinghua was seated cross-legged before a low table, directly on the thick, soft carpet. An ancient, exquisite yao qin rested on the low table.
“Aunt,” Dugu Heng bowed.
Dugu Jinghua rose, steadying herself with the low table, and cupped her hands in a gentle smile. “Mr. Li, I thank you for your efforts!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “You flatter me; please just call me by my name.”
“You are too modest, please have a seat.” Dugu Jinghua moved to a chair beside her, extended a hand, then shook her head and smiled. “Little Heng acted on his own initiative, shamelessly inviting the esteemed Sir to intervene. I am truly sorry to have troubled you, Sir!”
Li Muzhan and the others also sat in the chairs facing her, observing her quietly.
“Aunt…” Dugu Heng was startled.
Dugu Jinghua continued, “Since Sir has agreed, then I place my fate in your hands!”
Dugu Heng breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan smiled faintly. “Miss Dugu, I will do my best. However, I need to examine your condition first to know if a cure is possible.”
“Good.” Dugu Jinghua nodded and extended her fair wrist.
Li Muzhan stepped forward, took hold of her wrist, gently placed three fingers upon it, and closed his eyes.
In Dugu Heng’s estimation, the time it took—about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea—felt as long as a year. He finally saw Li Muzhan open his eyes and eagerly asked, “Brother Li, what is the situation?”
Li Muzhan shook his head with a wry smile. “Miss Dugu’s meridians are indeed strange... Alas! Not only are they blocked, but they are also malformed. To have survived this long, the medical skill of that Divine Doctor Hua is truly astounding!”
For anyone else in such a state, life would have ended already. Her current survival relied entirely on the efficacy of the medicinal pills, merely sustaining a breath—like a lamp shielded by a screen in the vast wilderness, where any strong gust of wind could blow through the screen and extinguish the flame.
Currently, the screen seemed very effective, completely blocking the wind, but there was no telling when it might fail, and the lamp itself was extremely weak, destined to fade further.
By Li Muzhan’s estimation, her lifespan was indeed short, perhaps only four or five more years.
“So, can it be treated?” Dugu Heng pressed.
Li Muzhan considered for a moment, then slowly nodded. “I can try!”
“That means there is hope?” Dugu Heng looked at Li Muzhan with intense eagerness.
Li Muzhan smiled. “I can only try my utmost; do not hold excessive hope!”
“Hehe, since Brother Li says he can try, he must have some confidence. Aunt, you are saved!” Dugu Heng was overjoyed.
Dugu Jinghua smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Li. Little Heng, do not lose your composure!”
Dugu Heng chuckled. “Yes, yes. Then, Brother Li, shall we begin now?”
Li Muzhan surveyed his surroundings and shook his head. “It would be best to find a quiet room, preferably one with warm water—a hot spring would be ideal.”
“A hot spring...” Dugu Heng pondered. “There is a hot spring at the mountain villa outside the city. Let’s go there!”
“Little Heng!” Dugu Jinghua frowned. “It is not wise to leave the city at this time.”
Dugu Heng’s eyes widened, and he urged anxiously, “What’s wrong with leaving? What is more important than treating my injuries?!... Aunt, don’t worry about all that!”
“It’s so chaotic outside right now...” Dugu Jinghua frowned, shaking her head. “Besides, the villa isn't entirely safe; what if someone forces their way in?”
“Then what do we do!” Dugu Heng exclaimed. “We can’t just waste time waiting for them! ...Brother Li, is there another way?”
Li Muzhan offered, “I have some knowledge of formations. I can set up a protective formation... Or perhaps, we could summon the Four Sacred Monks?”
“Excellent idea!” Dugu Heng quickly agreed. “With the Four Sacred Monks present, no one can cause any trouble!”
“Little Heng!” Dugu Jinghua frowned. “The Four Sacred Monks’ duty is to protect the Danxin Iron Scroll; they have no obligation to guard our family, nor will they leave! ...That’s enough, let’s wait a while longer for now!”
“Aunt!” Dugu Heng called out loudly. “No, she must be treated immediately!” He then looked at Li Muzhan. “Brother Li, is sooner better?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “It is best not to delay; the sooner the better... Miss Dugu’s vitality is severely depleted, and her lifespan is constantly diminishing. If we delay further, I fear...”
Dugu Jinghua frowned. “Is it that serious?”
Li Muzhan nodded, sighing. “The effects of the medicinal pills are weakening, aren’t they?”
“Yes.” Dugu Jinghua gave a slight nod. “I thought it was just my imagination; it seems I truly am nearing the end.”
Her demeanor was calm, as if she were discussing someone else, yet this terrified Dugu Heng, who cried out, “Aunt, why didn’t you tell us!”
“What use was there in telling?” Dugu Jinghua shook her head and smiled faintly. “Life and death are fated; the longevity I have enjoyed is already luckier than those who perish at birth!”
Dugu Heng insisted, “Aunt, ignore everything else now, we are leaving for the villa immediately!”
“...Very well.” Dugu Jinghua pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.
Although the city was currently chaotic, with the Four Great Sacred Monks guarding the Dugu Estate, no one could breach it. They could take extra guards outside the city; the key was to proceed secretly.
“Let’s use the secret tunnel,” she said calmly.
Dugu Heng smacked his forehead. “Right! Using the tunnel, we’ll be like ghosts and shadows, and we can sneak back!”
Li Muzhan corrected him. “Once Miss Dugu begins healing, she cannot move freely or return.”
“Then never mind that, let’s go!” Dugu Heng urged.
Li Muzhan smiled. “That’s more like it. Hesitating and worrying is not the way of a man!”
Dugu Jinghua smiled faintly, rose slowly, and left the room. She went to the east wing room, entered, and stepped on a spot in front of a bookshelf. With a deep rumble, a passage opened in the floor.
Dugu Heng stepped in first, followed by Xiao Xi supporting Dugu Jinghua. Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue followed last. Only the five of them entered.
As they entered the tunnel, the opening closed with a loud thump. It began with a downward sloping staircase. The tunnel ceiling was embedded with several luminous pearls, faintly illuminating the underground passage, like a moonlit night road.
Dugu Heng moved quickly. Dugu Jinghua was not skilled in martial arts, but Xiao Xi possessed considerable cultivation; she supported Dugu Jinghua, keeping her feet off the ground, following closely behind Dugu Heng. After about fifteen minutes, Dugu Heng stopped suddenly ahead, then slapped the wall a few times. With a thump, light appeared before them, revealing another exit.
They emerged into a small courtyard with peach trees planted by the window, a flower bed to the east, and a bamboo grove to the west. In the center was a small martial arts training ground. The exit they used was located within the bamboo grove, where a breeze rustled the leaves.
“This is Aunt’s secondary residence; let’s go to the rear garden!” Dugu Heng did not linger, heading directly toward the moon gate on the right.
Dugu Jinghua said nothing, and Xiao Xi supporting her followed close behind. Passing through the moon gate led to a rear garden—lush with trees, abundant with rockeries, where water trickled harmoniously through winding paths, even surpassing the refinement of Li Muzhan’s own rear garden.
Dugu Heng kept walking until he reached the eastern bamboo grove. Deep within the grove was a small pool, from which wisps of warm vapor rose, swirling across the water’s surface like a fine veil.
“Brother Li, how is this place?” Dugu Heng pointed to the pool. The circular pool was about four or five meters in diameter, the water so clear one could see the clean white sand at the bottom.
Li Muzhan nodded. “It’s very good; we just need to set up a screen.”
“No problem!” Dugu Heng nodded and smiled. “If this is satisfactory, we can begin!”
“Yes, we can,” Li Muzhan agreed.
There were several stones by the edge of the pool. Li Muzhan sat on one and smiled. “Miss Dugu, your entire network of meridians is blocked, twisted, and deformed. It is too difficult to clear them all at once; I lack the strength for that. I can clear them one by one, but it will take a long time.”
“How long?” Dugu Jinghua asked.
Li Muzhan thought for a moment. “The Twelve Primary Meridians, the Eight Extraordinary Vessels... Approximately one month.”
“That long?” Dugu Jinghua frowned.
Dugu Heng quickly interjected, “As long as it cures her, the time doesn't matter! ...Aunt, you have nothing pressing anyway, and I will handle anything that comes up!”
Dugu Jinghua cautioned, “Don’t act recklessly. The current situation is volatile; a slight mistake could have massive repercussions!”
Dugu Heng grinned slyly. “Aunt, have you forgotten? The person influencing the situation is Brother Li. As long as he remains still, the chaos outside is irrelevant, no matter how bad it gets!”
“Hmm, that is true,” Dugu Jinghua nodded, pursing her lips with a smile. “Little Heng, you’ve improved!”
Dugu Heng boasted proudly. “Proximity to virtue leads to virtue, right? Being around Brother Li naturally improves me!”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Miss Dugu, clearing the meridians will be very painful; you must prepare yourself!”
“Mr. Li, proceed as necessary; I can endure it,” Dugu Jinghua replied.
Li Muzhan continued, “Very well. During the healing, you must sit in the hot spring, and a screen must surround you, preventing any wind from entering and taking advantage of your vulnerability to cause illness.”
Dugu Heng rushed off. “I’ll go now!” He ran and soon returned, carrying several screens balanced on his head, floating in gracefully. He quickly set them up, enclosing the small pool entirely so that no breeze could penetrate. The base was made of marble, and the top panels were purple bamboo planks, intricately carved with vivid images of flying birds and running beasts.
Li Muzhan advised, “Miss, please change your clothes; they will inevitably get soaked.”
Dugu Jinghua pondered for a moment, turned, and went into the main house. She quickly returned wearing a long gown of pale white silk. Under Xiao Xi’s support, she slowly stepped into the pool.
Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue had already entered and were seated, their heads above the water, appearing solemn and dignified. They sat cross-legged perfectly still in the water, as if resting on an invisible bed.
Dugu Jinghua entered and stood beside Li Muzhan. Li Muzhan instructed, “Sit cross-legged; do not concern yourself with the rest. I will manage everything.”
“Alright.” Dugu Jinghua nodded. Xiao Xi quickly helped support her, but Li Muzhan shook his head and gently placed his hand on her back, warning, “Xiao Xi, no matter what happens next, do not move.”
Xiao Xi glanced at Dugu Jinghua, then at Li Muzhan, and slowly nodded.
Li Muzhan placed his hand on Dugu Jinghua’s back. Instantly, Dugu Jinghua floated upward, her legs settling into a cross-legged position. She stared with wide, surprised eyes; her body felt disconnected, as if controlled by another. This sitting posture was not self-initiated; it formed automatically.
Li Muzhan spoke softly, “Miss Dugu, there is no need to panic, just close your eyes.”
“Mm,” Dugu Jinghua agreed, nodding.
Li Muzhan turned to Dugu Heng and Xiao Xi. “No one is to disturb us under any circumstances, or there will be danger!”
Dugu Heng patted his chest firmly. “Brother Li, rest assured, no one can disturb you!”
Li Muzhan nodded. The three of them suddenly sank swiftly downward. The water surface trembled briefly before regaining its tranquility, yet the scene beneath the water remained clearly visible.
The three sat cross-legged in a line: Li Muzhan in the center, Dugu Jinghua forward, his arm pressed against her back, and Feng Mingxue seated behind Li Muzhan, utterly motionless.
Initially, the water surface was perfectly still, as clear as a mirror. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the water began to tremble lightly—Dugu Jinghua was shaking subtly.
Xiao Xi whispered, “Young Master, after so long, how is Miss breathing?”
“Brother Li has his methods,” Dugu Heng replied.
Xiao Xi stared anxiously at the water, feeling time pass exceptionally slowly. As time wore on, the water surface gradually changed, slowly beginning to rotate, resembling a whirlpool.
This whirlpool spun at a very slow pace. Dugu Jinghua sat precisely in the center, rotating in place, while Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue turned with the flow of the water, Li Muzhan’s hand remaining fixed on Dugu Jinghua’s back.
The speed of the whirlpool remained constant. About an hour later, as the sun shone directly overhead, the water surface slowly returned to normal, ceasing its rotation.
Dugu Jinghua slowly rose and suddenly burst through the water surface with a soft thud. She shook her clothes once, and they instantly became dry.
“Miss!” Xiao Xi quickly reached out to catch her.
Dugu Jinghua’s complexion was pale but tinged with red, her vitality excellent, yet her gaze was dull, heavy with drowsiness.
Li Muzhan and Feng Mingxue floated out of the water and gently landed on stones nearby; their clothes were already dry. Li Muzhan smiled. “It went smoothly enough. Let Miss Dugu sleep well. After tomorrow, we will begin on the second meridian the day after tomorrow.”
“Brother Li, did it truly work?” Dugu Heng asked with a smile.
Seeing Dugu Jinghua’s complexion, he knew there was hope. Hearing Li Muzhan’s assurance, his heart finally settled in his chest.
Li Muzhan smiled. “This Ren Meridian passage was relatively smooth. We will check the Du Meridian tomorrow. Once these two meridians are set right, her vital energy will surge.”
“Brother Li, you’ve worked hard!” Seeing Li Muzhan’s pale face, Dugu Heng urged, “You should go back and rest too!”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Very well.”
Opening this meridian consumed not only internal energy but also immense spiritual focus. Fortunately, he was now a Grandmaster; only a Grandmaster could treat Dugu Jinghua’s illness—she was quite fortunate to have met him.
In the following days, he proceeded to open the remaining meridians for Dugu Jinghua one by one. After ten days, with only half the meridians cleared, Dugu Jinghua’s spirit and vitality had transformed dramatically.
She had likely attempted to practice her cultivation methods. Although she couldn't practice the Dugu family’s Xiaoyao Zhang (Carefree Palm), the Dugu family also possessed several profound mental cultivation techniques. Though not as formidable as the Xiaoyao Zhang, they were still rare supreme arts.
She asked Li Muzhan for guidance, and he ultimately helped her select a gentle technique—the Can Xia Jue (Cloud-Gazing Art).
*JRM